[A/N: Read my Novel: Cursed As a Dragon God
https://www.webnovel.com/book/30681650400196305 ]
(Third Person POV)
Later that night, a feast was prepared for the Royal Family. King Viserys and his Queen, Alicent Hightower were joined by their children; Aegon, Helaena, and Aemond as well as the King's Hand, Otto Hightower. The King had invited his daughter and his nephew, Princess Rhaenyra and Lord Aerion Targaryen to join them, as a way to mend the rift between their families.
Princess Rhaenyra had her two eldest sons join them; Jaecaerys and Lucerys as well as Aerion's sisters, Baela and Rhaena. The King was more than happy to accept her nieces at his table, despite their father not joining. Things would've been more tense with Daemon Targaryen there, knowing how he is when it comes to situations like these.
King Viserys sat in the middle of the table, covering his mouth with a cloth as he coughed slightly, "Ah...." He let out a slight gasp
Next to him, on his right, Alicent leaned towards him, "Are you well, Husband?" she whispered
"I am, it's alright." He said as he glanced over to his left to see his Daughter who looked at him with worry, "It's okay."
Rhaenyra nodded slowly, "Okay." She said softly as Aerion sat next to her, looking down
Viserys looked around, seeing everyone sit there with a bit of awkwardness, eating their food and drinking from their cups. He noticed that Aemond was stealing glances at Lucerys and occasionally at Aerion, who was not making eye contact with anyone.
Aegon was drinking as he leaned in to Jaecaerys and mumbled some things, the two of them exchanging laughs and smirks as Baela and Rhaena looked at this. Helaena was simply fiddling with two pieces of yarn she brought from her room. While it seemed awkward at first, this was Viserys's family at their normal state. He was well aware of how his children were, how his grandsons were, and how his Nephew was.
Aerion was never much of a social man, always looked down at the floor when he would be invited to dine with the King. He was always a quiet and melancholy child, losing his mother at such a young age, his Father never being there. Viserys knew this and had always tried his best to make Aerion feel like he was at home. But Aerion was tough to get him to open up, always keeping to himself.
Now, that boy was a man, married to the King's eldest daughter and had children with her. That made Viserys extremely happy but something about seeing Aerion looking down reminded the King of the boy that always had a melancholy look on his face. The same face that almost fully disappeared when he claimed Vermithor. There was so much on Aerion's mind, he was sure, and wanted to make sure that Aerion was alright. Deep down, Viserys thought of him as his eldest son, but knew that Aerion was only his nephew. To say that Aerion was part of a dysfunctional family was an understatement and sometimes Viserys thought it was best to leave him to be raised by the Royce's, that way he wouldn't be involved with any extreme situations.
But alas, Aerion was a Targaryen, through and through. It was his birthright to inherit a Dragon and all the problems that comes with being of the dragon's blood.
Viserys cleared his throat and slowly stood up, catching the attention of everyone present. Aerion looked up to see his Uncle standing as he looked all around the table.
"Ah, what joy it brings me to see my Family today." He said with a smile, "It pains me that Daemon and my son, Daeron, cannot join us. But at the very least, my Daughter Rhaenyra and her sons are here, my beloved Nephew with them...."
Rhaenyra smiled as she looked over at her boys, who also did the same. Aerion had no reaction this, however, his eyes were locked on his Uncle, something brewing in his mind.
Viserys looked over at his children, "My Children, born from my Queen...." He said as he began to wobble a bit, only for Alicent to hold his hand for support, "It gladdens me to see you all grow up....like I watched Rhaenyra grow up. I have been given two beautiful grandchildren through Aegon and Helaena and I expect the same for Aemond and Daeron....."
Aemond looked down, saying nothing to this as Aegon drank from his cup. Helaena was looking at her father, smiling slightly and with a glint of happiness in her eyes. Alicent and Otto noticed this and couldn't help but smile as well. Rhaenyra looked down, unable to hide her smile as well. In fact, everyone had a somewhat happy expression on their faces, all but Aerion, who still looked at Viserys with a serious face.
Something was wrong and Aerion could pick it up right away, scanning the King with his eyes carefully.
Viserys glanced over to him, "And as for my Grandsons, who are to marry my Nieces, Baela and Rhaena...." He said as he raised his cup, "A toast for them, may they produce beautiful children of their own. It is a joy, children that is."
Jace and Luke smiled, blushing slightly as Baela and Rhaena did the same.
"And my Nephew, Aerion Targaryen." Viserys continued, "The Mightiest Man in all the Seven Kingdoms. To think that I would witness such magnificence. It is a great honor that my own blood is considered as The Warrior Incarnate. You have given me beautiful Grandchildren, Aerion. For that, I will always be grateful. The only thing that pains me is that your Mother is not here to see you as the man you've become."
Aerion looked away, his face hardening, not saying a word.
Rhaenyra grabbed his hand, "It's okay." She said soflty as she rubbed it slowly
"Hm." Aerion said
"Speaking of which...." Viserys said, "A Toast for Princess Rhea Targaryen, she had just been born.....and I believe her namesake would love her unconditionally, being the honorable and loving woman she was. T-To....Lady Rhea Royce, as well.....Aerion...."
Aerion silently grabbed his cup and took a sip from it as Viserys looked at him. The King was understanding of his reaction. It is difficult for Aerion to speak about his Mother, even at the age he was currently.
Viserys then looked around, "It may not look like it." He continued, "But I am sick.....very sick....it feels like my life is being burned from within.....everything sucked within a single point and slowly killing me. The Maesters don't know what it is, but I have a feeling I don't have long. Perhaps a year or two.....perhaps. But within that time, i want you....my Family.....to take the opportunity to mend the rift between you. We.....We are not just any Family, you see.....we are the House of The Dragon.....we hold the greatest power in the world, you should see that with your very own eyes. Divided, we will crumble, our House will burn....but together....united.....nothing....and I mean Nothing will faze us....The Conqueror didn't go to all that trouble to watch our House crumble into nothing due to some petty squabbling between each other."
He wheezed slightly as he looked over at Aemond, who was staring at him with a serious look in his eye. He then glanced over at Aerion who wasn't looking at him, only at the plate in front of him.
"Do me this favor, my Family." He said, "If not for yourselves, but for this dying old man. Try....at the very least, try. We are Family, don't you ever forget that."
"We must be united!"